Cheesy Stuffed Cauliflower Head (Printable)

Whole roasted cauliflower with a rich, creamy cheese filling that bakes until golden and bubbly.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cauliflower

01 - 1 large whole cauliflower (about 2.2 lb), leaves and stem trimmed but intact
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
04 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese Filling

05 - 5.3 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 3.5 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1.8 oz grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
09 - 1 garlic clove, minced
10 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - 1 tablespoon milk

→ Topping

13 - 1.8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
14 - 2 tablespoons gluten-free breadcrumbs
15 - 1 tablespoon melted butter

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Remove outer leaves and carefully trim the base so it sits flat, ensuring the florets remain intact.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Submerge the cauliflower head and cook for 8-10 minutes until just tender. Drain well and let cool slightly.
04 - In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, chives, garlic, smoked paprika, nutmeg, and milk until smooth.
05 - Place the cooled cauliflower on the prepared tray. Using a small knife, carefully make deep cuts into the base and between florets to create space for the filling.
06 - Gently stuff the cheese mixture into the crevices and center of the cauliflower, pressing it in with a spoon or your fingers.
07 - Brush the outside of the cauliflower with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
08 - Mix cheddar cheese with breadcrumbs and melted butter; sprinkle evenly over the cauliflower.
09 - Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden, bubbling, and tender when pierced with a knife.
10 - Let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks dramatic enough to be a showstopper, but honestly feels more forgiving to make than you'd think.
  • One whole vegetable becomes a complete main dish, which means less fussing with sides and more time enjoying your guests.
  • The cheese filling stays creamy inside while the top gets wonderfully crispy and golden, giving you two textures in every bite.
02 -
  • Don't skip the parboiling step or your cauliflower will still be raw inside even after 45 minutes of roasting; those 8 to 10 minutes make all the difference.
  • Softened cream cheese is non-negotiable for smooth filling; if yours is cold, it'll clump and won't distribute evenly through the cauliflower.
03 -
  • If your cauliflower is on the smaller side, reduce the baking time to 35 minutes and check it earlier; size matters more than you'd think for even cooking.
  • The secret to a crispy topping is melting the butter before mixing it with breadcrumbs and cheese; it distributes the heat more evenly and prevents dry, burnt edges.
Go Back